I'm re-running this review because I think everyone should read this novel. It's poignant, possible, and particularly pressing for people to be aware of their surroundings, who is near them, what they look like, what they're wearing. Not to accentuate the fear factor but rather to emphasize the more you see around you, the more you're aware of the plots and plans of our enemies, the better able you are to make a difference in this wicked world. Either you save yourself and others or you perish in crisis situations. Joseph Courtemanche knows what he's talking about. And with the recent San Bernardino and Orlando massacres, we need to be smart and aware. The Lord will give us insights and direction so we can do our part while we're here.
Valuable to reading this novel, it's important to note the information preceding the story. Knowing who Joseph Courtemanche really was and is will bring even more life to this bona fide thriller. Assault on St. Agnes is a very good novel from an author who's been there, done that. What takes place in this book has been a topic of much discussion in recent times from all counterterrorist groups in the USA. Joseph doesn't pull any punches in this story. We all know who the majority of terrorists are and we get a harsh and realistic picture of them in Assault on St. Agnes.
Bobby Kurtz "happened to be" visiting a Catholic church when all hell broke loose. He was messily extracted from the scene and plunged into something he didn't expect. Coerced into assuming a task that used his linguist skills and called on for his previous covert understanding, there's something going down during this snowy Christmas season in Minneapolis, and it can't be good.
Time pressures his new bosses and co-workers to stress Bobby's preparation. They realize terrorists are plotting something big, and they desperately need a lead. Bobby uses his past battle-worthy contacts and brings them in to help zero in on what it is all their overload of information is failing to capture. An off-hand comment from one of them about an in-law gives them that coveted hope for a break.
This thriller allows the reader to observe the vile and psychopathic makeup of terrorists motivated by demonic hatred and perversion while staying patient to make sure they can execute their grand plans of destruction upon the United States of America and its infidel inhabitants. The intense scrutiny of information studied and re-studied by those who secretly disseminate huge volumes of data in various languages reminds us how daunting it is to keep America safe.
Assault on St. Agnes gives us a unique hero with a brilliant brain, an obnoxious personality, a tender heart, but a savvy outlook on the natures of terrorists. High-intensity action, sharp dialogue, and tragic occurrences combine to make this thriller both realistic and meaningful. Highly recommend Joseph Courtemanche's Assault on St. Agnes.
Father, I pray you would continue to bless Joseph as he constructs more life-like tales. Give him what he needs to write those stories you have just for him to tell. Bless his work as he gives all the glory to you. Keep him and his family safe from all harm. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.